Hill Country Strings is a tightly-knit group of Austin-based classically-trained musicians who provide you with professional guidance in selecting music for your special occasion, as well as an elegant and refined performance at your wedding or event. Specialties in the following ensembles: String Quartet, Woodwind Trio, Flamenco Guitar Solo.
VIC THOMPKINS & VTO Similar to most singers, Vic Thompkins discovered his talents as a vocalist at an early age in the church choir. During the summer and weekends Vic gained much awareness and experience accompanying his Father, R.C. Thompkins, who sang bass with various Gospel groups traveling throughout the southeast. Vic obtained most of his Vocal training at the celebrated, “Stamps School of Gospel Music” in California. He has sung with a variety of famous Gospel groups such as “The Journeymen”, “The Lefevre Singers”, “The Regents” and “The Sunny South Quartet”. In 1983 Vic’s interest turned to country and pop music. With a strong mellow voice he was a favorite wherever he performed. During his career, he has opened for some Major acts such as “The Oak Ridge Boys”, “Dave & Sugar” and “Bill Anderson”, to name a few. Vic has performed at many concert halls and clubs located throughout the United States. Elvis Presley’s former manager, the Legendary Colonel Tom Parker, took a special interest in Vic. After hearing a recording of his new songs Colonel Parker was so impressed he wrote a letter of reference for Vic to the William Morris Agency situated in New York City. Vic was then granted a rare interview upon the Colonel’s request in his Tennessee office. Several of Vic’s songs have charted in the top 10 on the Independent charts, “The Only Thing Going Was You” and “Dixie Without the USA”. Vic recently relocated to the Tampa area where he teamed up with vocalist Tallie Tadlock and Sandee Lester with a great bunch of professional musicians and is currently performing throughout the Tampa area.
Lyrical, live, hip-hop/rap music.
D-FYANT is that new sound that everyone is craving for in these uncertain times. The Houston based band is a fresh new blend of rock and reggae, topped with catchy smooth vocals. They released their self titled cd in February of 2007. Within those 15 tracks was the gambit of what D-fyant is. From the beginning with “Fya Fya” and “Don’t You Understand”, the band establishes, quickly and convincingly, that no one genre can define the band. “No Wrongs” and “Gotta Know Your Name” showcase the motown influences of Colin, the lead singer. “Lost”, “Miserable”, and “Move On” show the influences of Kelly and Wayne, the guitarists. While “Flat Puppet” lets Nez, the keyboardist and Blakely, the drummer, cut loose on wild ideas. Injecting D-fyant with new passion is the recent addition of Taylor to our family. He is the utility man: back-up singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, or percussionist as needed. He is joining the band as D-fyant suddenly lost a great man and friend, Earl Grey, in the winter of 2007. He was the bass player and co-manager of the band. His influence and energy has been greatly missed, though his spirit lives on with the members of D-fyant. D-fyant is quickly becoming known for their electrifying live shows. In Houston, the band has played Scout Bar, Fitzgerald’s, the Meridian, the Engine Room, Rudyard’s, the Cellar Bar, Jet Lounge and Javajazz. They have also performed at the Pasadena Live Stock Show & Rodeo, at a Houston Texans tailgating event by the GridIron Gillers, and at Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society fundraiser event that the band has performed at the last 2 years. Outside of Houston, the band has performed twice in Laredo, Tx, at GW’s Roadhouse and Average Joe’s, and in St. Louis, MO at SixFlags. D-fyant can currently be heard on the radio in Laredo and out of Corpus Christi.
The Brothers Lafitte, a Cajun/Creole quartet with roots in Louisiana, Texas and France. Sporting a fiddle and accordion front line, and backed by guitar, slide, and upright bass, the Brothers Lafitte dig deeply into the rhythms and melodies of Acadian Louisiana, carrying on the French music repertoire of the classic Cajun and Creole groups. You can't help but dance and celebrate when hearing this music played with authenticity by pros ... and sung in Cajun French. It's as close as you can get to the bayou in Texas! The group is made up of Peter Schwarz on fiddle and vocals. Peter is a founding member of Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys. Joining him on accordion, dulcitar and vocals is Serge Laine, a native of France and former member of File, Bayou Beaujolais, and Poor Man's Fortune. Providing rhythm and slide guitar backup is Mark Viator, an Austin singer/songwriter and guitarist who has worked and recorded with Rue La-La, Slaid Cleaves, Bobby Bridger and others. A perfect addition to any crawfish boil, party, or wedding needing that Louisiana element ... The Brothers Lafitte. Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!